Are excuses for academic parties getting thinner or is it just me?

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sbrothy
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(arXiv, physics.ed-ph): Why every observatory needs a disco ball

"We tried on a number of occasions to observe different phases of the Moon using disco balls. We were successful with the full moon on 2022 December 7 [...]"

"During the period March-May 2023 we tested a portable disco ball as part of a permanent exhibition at a university observatory, receiving visitors in groups of all ages. [...]"

I mean: just send out invites like normal people darn it! :P

(Sorry for the thin joke. If nothing else the paper gets a little publicity. Whether that's merited I'll leave to you to decide.)

EDIT: Oh, this should of course have gone in the "Lame Jokes" thread. Feel free to move it. My bad.
 
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Commercial disco balls provide a safe, effective and instructive way of observing the Sun. We explore the optics of solar projections with disco balls, and find that while sunspot observations are challenging, the solar disk and its changes during eclipses are easy and fun to observe. We explore the disco ball's potential for observing the moon and other bright astronomical phenomena.
A clever topic and well if not completely serious, I agree, a little light publicity on the subject may not be a bad thing.
 
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Coming soon: The benefits of jukeboxes and roller skates for teaching sound transmission and classical mechanics
 
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FAQ: Are excuses for academic parties getting thinner or is it just me?

1. What do people mean by "excuses for academic parties getting thinner"?

People often refer to the idea that the reasons or justifications for hosting academic parties are becoming less substantial or convincing. This could imply that the events are being held more frequently with less significant academic milestones or achievements as a pretext.

2. Are academic parties becoming more frequent?

There is anecdotal evidence suggesting that academic parties may be occurring more often. This could be due to a number of factors, including a greater emphasis on networking, community building, and celebrating smaller accomplishments within academic circles.

3. How do academic parties benefit students and faculty?

Academic parties can provide numerous benefits, including fostering a sense of community, encouraging collaboration, and offering opportunities for informal networking. They can also serve as a way to celebrate achievements and milestones, which can boost morale and motivation.

4. What are some common reasons given for hosting academic parties?

Common reasons for hosting academic parties include celebrating the completion of a research project, publication of a paper, graduation, the start or end of a semester, receiving a grant, or welcoming new faculty and students. However, the perception is that these reasons may be becoming less significant or more loosely connected to substantial academic achievements.

5. Is the perception of "thinner excuses" for academic parties a widespread sentiment?

The perception that excuses for academic parties are getting thinner is not universally held but is a topic of discussion among some academics. This sentiment may vary depending on the institution, department culture, and individual perspectives on what constitutes a valid reason for celebration.

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